House Bill 393: Relating to Possession of or Access to a Child by a Grandparent or Certain Other Persons

House Bill 393: Relating to Possession of or Access to a Child by a Grandparent or Certain Other Persons

Sponsors:

Representative Senfronia Thompson

Summary:

House Bill 393 proposes to change the family code by making it easier for grandparents to gain possession of or access to their grandchildren against the wishes of the parents. HB 393 states that grandparents would not be required to offer expert testimony in requesting a court to grant them possession of or access to their grandchild. Furthermore, it widens the instances in which a grandparent may gain possession of their grandchild.

HSLDA's Position:

Oppose.

HSLDA believes that it is the right of parents to make decisions regarding child-rearing. In some circumstances, we have defended families when a hostile grandparent has sued to gain custody or visitation over the parents' objections. We believe that this bill gives too much opportunity to grandparents to sue for visitation or custody.

Action Requested:

None at this time

Status:

01/08/2013 House Introduced
02/11/2013 House Referred to the Committee of Judiciary & Civil Jurisprudence